Exploring the Intersection of Efficiency and Librarianship

Meaning of Discipline

The word discipline conjures up many emotions. For some, it is a negative word denoting punishment or strictness. For others it seems stark and foreboding, like being stuck in a hard, joyless routine. However, discipline is also a positive force and something that everyone needs to succeed.

In his blog, Brian Knight of the company Focus 3, breaks down the origins of the word:

“The word “disciple” comes from the Latin word discipulus meaning “student”. Most people believe a disciple is a follower, probably because of the religious context, but in reality it means student. A disciple is (and I’ll make up a word here) a *studier*.

The word “discipline” is from the Latin word disciplina meaning “instruction and training”. It’s derived from the root word discere — “to learn.”

So what is discipline? Discipline is to study, learn, train, and apply a system of standards.”